Pepper veinal mottle virus infection, host reaction, yield and aphid transmission in pepper plants

Abstract

Capsicum pepper cultivars were assessed for resistance to pepper veinal mottle virus (PVMV). The effects of the virus on yield and its aphid transmission were studied. Cultivars were designated as susceptible to the virus when severe symptoms and yield reduction occurred, as tolerant with severe symptoms but without significant yield loss, and as resistant with mild symptoms and no significant yield reduction. Aphids transmitted PVMV more readily from the susceptible and tolerant pepper plants than from the resistant ones. It is concluded that pepper plants resistant or tolerant to PVMV are available, but the latter should be used with caution since they could serve as sources of infection for nearby susceptible plants.